NY A09949

Establishes an 11-member freight rail safety task force chaired by the Commissioner of Transportation to review freight rail safety and make policy and budgetary recommendations.

Task force membership includes the Transportation Commissioner, two Senate Majority appointees, one Senate Minority appointee, two Assembly Majority appointees, one Assembly Minority appointee, and four gubernatorial appointees.

Authorizes task force to hold public hearings and meetings, request information from state agencies, and consult with organizations and government entities to accomplish its duties.

Requires task force to review federal-state-local regulatory coordination, establish uniform safety training programs, examine federal preemption of state freight rail regulations, and identify additional safety measures needed.

Task force must submit findings and recommendations report to the Governor and legislative leaders within one year of the effective date; act expires two years after taking effect.